Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Make clear to DCO applicants the burden of evidence required against each criterion.
Conclusion
Guidance must make clear to applicants the burden of evidence required against each criterion. Should a pipeline of DCO applications materialise, this guidance should be regularly updated as lessons are learned, rather than waiting for the next NPS review. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees guidance must be clear and will ensure the supplementary information, currently under development with input from regulators and industry, is regularly updated as good practice is established and lessons are learned.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We agree that the guidance must make clear to applicants the expectations for each criterion in EN-7. We judge that EN-7 provides sufficient information on the expectation of developers when considering each criterion. The information in EN-7 includes the reasons why applicants need to consider each criterion, any early engagement that may be beneficial, information on how to assess projects against each criterion and what is necessary for decision making. This, along with the supplementary information, which we have been developing with input from regulators and industry, will support applicants through the DCO application process. We welcome the Committee’s suggestion to regularly update guidance with lessons learned and will ensure the supplementary information is updated as good practice is established and lessons are learned.